Love Letham is a collaboration between the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland and Perth & Kinross Council. is part of a growing movement of people, organisations and businesses across Scotland who are trying to build a Wellbeing Economy.
She really worked to understand the underpinning of the how and why for this project to ensure she was delivering our expectations. She was very flexible and welcomed feedback about her work. She asked questions, reflected and proffered her ideas. Emer worked with a range of professionals as well as 200 children spanning from age 4-11! She was able to act on the cues of professionals she was working with and really took the lead in terms of facilitating discussions and generating ideas. Her professional yet approachable manner made the whole experience very informal and put learners at ease to share their views. Commendably, when our youngest learners struggled to have their views captured, she gave additional time and ideas to ensure authentic participation. This project has allowed us to reflect on the ways we work and how we can more authentically capture the ideas of individuals and groups. A really positive experience for all, thank you!'
I had heard of this being really successful when done at large events in bigger venues however given the sensitive nature of these sessions, the lower numbers and the possibility of triggering trauma I was wary of how it would work.
Bottom line......it worked amazingly well.
Emer spoke to me several times regarding layout of the room and what was required in terms of space so that she could follow the conversation without interrupting the flow, distracting the participants or facilitators and allowing time in the programme to review her work.
In the absence of a wall free from framed pictures, art work and assorted signage Emer arrived with a "portable wall". I kid you not! Which she set up set up behind the participants and you wouldn't have known she was there.
Everyone was amazed at the level of information she had managed to record and participants were able to recognise their contribution without it having to be translated by the interpreters which was incredibly empowering for some of them.
An inventive, creative and imaginative way of recording a difficult subject that was accessible to everyone attending was just fantastic and fully complimented what was said.
It gave an added edge to what can often be seen as yet another dry information consultation.
Photographs of the recordings are included in the reports and I feel they (even if just for curiosity sake) will prompt discussion about the day and discussion about the issue of trafficking is what we need.
I would thoroughly recommend this service.
Regards
Frances Monaghan
Manager